COVID-19 frequently asked outpatient questions
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Frequently Asked Outpatient Questions |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Roukoz A. Karam, M.D.[2] Aisha Adigun, B.Sc., M.D.[3]
Synonyms and keywords:
Knowledge Based Questions
- What tests are used to diagnose COVID-19?
- The FDA has so far approved two types of tests for diagnosing COVID-19; a molecular test that detects the virus's genetic material using a lab technique called Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and an antigen test that detects certain proteins that are part of the virus.[1]
- How accurate are the COVID-19 serology tests?
- Can the coronavirus disease be transmitted through the air over long distances?
- Are masks effective against the coronavirus disease?
- Is COVID-19 serious?
- What is the source of the virus?
- How does the virus spread?
- Can someone who has been quarantined for COVID-19 spread the illness?
- Will warm weather stop the outbreak?
- How can i help protect myself?
- Can antibiotics treat the coronavirus disease?
- Is bleach an effective cleaning agent for the coronavirus disease?
- Can you have the coronavirus disease without a fever?
- What is the recovery time for the coronavirus disease?
- Is there a vaccine for coronavirus?
- Can the coronavirus disease spread through feces?
- Can the coronavirus disease spread through food?
- Can I still have sex during the coronavirus pandemic?
- Can the coronavirus disease spread through water?
- Can i get sick with COVID-19 if it is on the food?
- Does drinking alcohol kill the coronavirus?
- What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
- Where do I go to get tested for COVID-19?
- How can I avoid getting infected with COVID-19?
- Can I get COVID-19 from my pets or other animals?
- Can I still get my scheduled routine vaccinations?
- Can I still get my recommended diagnostic test (eg colonoscopy)?
Everyday Life Questions
- How can I get back to work and avoid infection?
- What do I need to protect myself when I go to the gym?
- My wife and I are >65. Is it safe to go to the store?
- What is the meaning of self-isolation?
- Can I report someone who I believe is infected but has refused to self isolate?
- As a business owner, how can I protect my staff?
- I have underlying health conditions, should I go to work?
- Does cooking kill the coronavirus?
- Can the coronavirus disease spread through frozen food?
- What do I need to protect myself when I go to the gym?
- Can people that died from the coronavirus disease have a funeral?
- Can you contract the coronavirus disease from a package in the mail?
- Does drinking alcohol increase my risk of getting COVID-19?
- Does smoking cigarettes increase my risk of getting COVID-19?
Cleaning and Disinfecting
- How do I clean and disinfect surfaces?
- Use soap and water to clean the surfaces which will help in cleaning the dirt. Afterward, use disinfectants to kill the microbes. Here is a list of disinfectants approved by the EPA (the United States Environmental Protection Agency). Always use disposable gloves.
- What surfaces at home should I disinfect regularly?
- High contact surfaces such as; doorknobs, sinks, dining tables, Phones, Laptops, light switches, keyboards.
- What products can I use for disinfecting the home?
- Here is a list of disinfectants approved by the EPA (the United States Environmental Protection Agency).
- Can I use bleach at to disinfect at home?
- Yes, use bleach 5 tablespoons per gallon of water.
- How often and when do I clean hands with soap and water while at home?
- Wash hands before and after cooking, eating, cleaning surfaces, laundry, touching any supplies brought from the store.
- Do I have to separate the laundry of a COVID-19 infected family member?
- You can mix laundry. Be sure to wash hands before and after doing laundry.
- What precautions can I follow as a caregiver to my family in quarantine?
- If you are the caregiver at your house, provide support with basic needs i.e; give medicines as per doctor's advice, give medicines to help with symptoms (i.e acetaminophen to lower fever). It is very important to watch for warning signs like - Trouble breathing, excessive pain in the chest, lack of response to verbal stimulation, confusion, and bluish discoloration of lips. Clean and disinfect the house as per the above recommendations. Have a separate bathroom if possible. Wear disposable gloves and wash hands with soap and water afterward when handling laundry or utensils of infected persons. Limit contact, wear a scarf or cloth face mask when around the sick person at home. Check if you are getting any symptoms like fever, dry cough, muscle pain, and other flu-like symptoms. As a caregiver, you should quarantine yourself for 14 days if you have come in contact with the sick person whether you are symptomatic or not.
- I don't have symptoms but my family member has tested positive should I quarantine myself?
- yes.
Public Safety Questions
Travel Related Questions
- I recently returned from a COVID-19 hotspot, What do I do?
- What precautionary measures and my family and I take when we travel?
- When can I return to work after a arrive from a country with confirmed COVID-19 cases?
- What should I do if there was a sick passenger on my flight?
- Should I delay my vacation?
- Does a particular mode of transportation increase my risk of contracting COVID-19?
- Can I go camping?
- Should I wear a face-covering throughout my trip?
- What do I do if I get sick after a recent Trip?
- What steps can I take to decrease my chance of infection during a trip?
Pregnancy and COVID-19
- I am pregnant, how can I protect myself from contracting COVID-19?
- Are COVID-19 outcomes worse in pregnant women?
- Can I pass the virus to my unborn child?
- What should I do if I am pregnant and get sick?
- Are the risks of known pregnancy complications increased due to COVID-19?
Children and COVID-19
- How can I protect my child from contracting COVID-19?
- Can family members visit my newborn child?
- Is COVID-19 transmitted via breast milk?
Keeping Spirits High in Quarantine
References
- ↑ Patel R, Babady E, Theel ES, Storch GA, Pinsky BA, St George K; et al. (2020). "Report from the American Society for Microbiology COVID-19 International Summit, 23 March 2020: Value of Diagnostic Testing for SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19". mBio. 11 (2). doi:10.1128/mBio.00722-20. PMC 7157705 Check
|pmc=value (help). PMID 32217609 Check|pmid=value (help).